Exclusive: Man United managerial change ‘can’t be made’ explains former Premier League midfielder

The Red Devils are in the midst of yet another turbulent season in the successless post-Fergie era. United’s latest blip took place away at St James’ Park as an injury-hit Newcastle side ran out 1-0 winners on Saturday night.

The result leaves Erik ten Hag’s men seventh in the table – nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

Despite pressure mounting on the manager, Savage believes the Dutchman’s job is safe due to the ongoing off-the-field situation.

“I don’t think anything can happen in terms of the management structure whilst there is still speculation around Sir Jim Ratcliffe going into Manchester United,” he said.

 

 

The British billionaire and United are set to announce a stake sale next week as the 71-year-old looks to complete a 25% minority takeover.

Ratcliffe is expected to assess the entire club structure, though one of his immediate tasks will be appointing a new sporting director.

Savage added: “A decision can’t be made until they get a new sporting director in who can then decide on a process. I don’t think any decision can be made until things are sorted out higher up in the club.

“Nothing can happen in terms of a managerial change until the hierarchy has got the right people in place.”

United could very well be without Champions League football by the time those key decisions at the top are made, though. 

The club are bottom of their group and need everything to go their way on the final day to have any chance of progression.

“To fail to win against Galatasaray having been 2-0 and 3-1 up is not good enough,” said the former Leicester, Birmingham and Derby County midfielder.

“They haven’t been good enough in the Champions League and now they’re in a position where they have to beat Bayern Munich and results have to go their way in the game between Galatasaray and Copenhagen.

“Beating Bayern Munich is going to be very difficult. They’ve also got games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa coming up which won’t be easy.

“I don’t think the club can make any decisions about the manager until the structure of the club is in place. Getting a new sporting director in is fundamental, then a decision will have to be made.”

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